Microsoft Releases SQL Server 2014 Preview

Microsoft on Tuesday released the SQL Server 2014 Community Technology Preview 1 and the cloud-based SQL Server 2014 Community Technology Preview 1 on Windows Azure. Both can be downloaded from the TechNet Evaluation Center.

The announcement comes one day before the Build 2013 developer's conference in San Francisco.

The Windows Azure cloud was first and foremost in Microsoft's messaging about the new software, touting the company's "Cloud OS." "Microsoft has made a big bet on what we call our cloud-first design principles," said Brad Anderson, corporate VP, in a blog post discussing the new previews.

"SQL Server 2014 features in-memory processing for applications ("Hekaton"), as well as data warehousing and business intelligence," Anderson said. "SQL Server 2014 also enables new hybrid scenarios like AlwaysOn availability, cloud backup and disaster recovery. It lives in Windows Azure and can be easily migrated to the cloud from on-premises."

Along with SQL Server 2014, Microsoft announced the availability of previews for Windows Server and System Center, both as 2012 R2 versions.

The SQL Server 2014 CTP will expire after 180 days or on Dec. 31, 2013, whichever comes first. Download options include an ISO DVD image, CAB file or Azure version. Microsoft recommends the ISO or CAB version to test the software's new in-memory capabilities.